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UK Parliament - Bedfordshire South West

RACE DETAILS

Parents

> United Kingdom > England > East of England > East of England > Bedfordshire South West

Office

Parliament

Honorific

Member of Parliament - Abbr: MP

Type

General Election

Filing Deadline

April 20, 2010 - 06:00pm Central

Polls Open

May 06, 2010 - 01:00am Central

Polls Close

May 06, 2010 - 04:00pm Central

Term Start

May 17, 2010 - 12:00pm

Term End

May 17, 2015 - 12:00pm

Contributor

Ralphie

Last Modified

RBH May 07, 2010 06:35am

Data Sources

[Link]

Description

BBC Profile:
In 1997 Conservative Sir David Madel maintained a majority over Labour, winning by 132 votes, on a turnout of 75%.

On Sir David's retirement in 2001 current Conservative MP Andrew Selous increased the party's majority to 776 votes.

In 2005 an 8.2% swing from Labour to the Conservatives, was enough to give Selous a 18.1% majority.

There are no boundary changes affecting this seat.

This constituency of South West Bedfordshire is situated west across the M1 from Luton. The main centres of population in the constituency are Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable and Houghton Regis.

Leighton Buzzard to the north and west has jobs in light industry and distribution and its proximity to the M1, A5 and good rail links to London and Milton Keynes make both towns natural commuter territory.

Tourism is an important local money-earner, with the Chiltern hills, stately homes and Whipsnade Zoo among the attractions. The expansion of Luton Airport and regeneration projects in Luton following the closure of Vauxhall Motors have also brought more job opportunities to the constituency.

Dunstable's ethnic communities are increasing. The most significant of these is the Asian community. The biggest industry in South West Bedfordshire is wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles.

Rallings & Thrasher Notional:
No Boundary Changes